This is my personal initial view of the X Factor UK 2010 successful competitors, up to the date of writing (Sept 6th 2010). I did something very similar last year and people seemed to enjoy reading it, so I thought I'd do another one. Besides, it will be interesting to see if my predictions come anywhere near true!
Little 18 year old Gamu Nhengu, originally from Zimbabwe, but living in Scotland with her mum and two brothers for the last five years, performed 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina And The Waves, but with her own twist. When she announced her song choice, Simon Cowell seemed less than enthusiastic. At the end of her audition he revealed that it was one of the songs he disliked most, but was very enthusiastic and complimentary about what Gamu had done with the song. Gaining four enthusiastic yeses from the judges I'm looking forward to see how this young girl with the soulful, jazzy voice does at boot-camp.
Katie Waissel, a 24 year old lady with a unique sense of style had a really rocky audition, despite giving everyone a cheeky wink as she walked to the mark on stage. Simon Cowell initially prevented her from performing her first song choice 'At Last', by Etta James. I even heard Cheryl Cole say 'Oh no'. Her second choice of song was 'We are the Champions' by Queen. Unfortunately Katie, now more flustered than nervous, needed two goes at starting the song. This, however, did not prevent her from messing up the words. Things were looking bad for Katie, then she begged to be allowed to perform her original choice. The judges relented and Simon gave her 20 seconds to 'blow them away', as she'd promised she would. Katie did indeed deliver a sterling performance, and managed to get to boot-camp with votes from Cheryl and Simon. Louis Walsh, the third member on the panel, voted no first. Personally, I'm not sure if I like her quirky way of delivering a song, but time will tell. Time will also tell if she gets smartly kicked off the show for fraudulence. If it's true that her US persona of Lola Fontain is indeed under management and/or involved in a recording contract, then I expect to not see her in boot-camp at all.
One of my favourites, Mary Byrne, a lovely 50 year old lady from Dublin, impressed absolutely everyone with her powerful performance of the big Tom Jones classic 'I Who Have Nothing'. Having taken five years to get back enough courage to sing after suffering from low self-esteem, her initial nerves were only slightly noticeable. As soon as Mary started to perform, however, pure professionalism took over. No hint of over-polished cabaret-style delivery here, simply an honest, heart-felt and passionate delivery from beginning to end. After giving the song everything she had, the comments from Simon, Louis and Cheryl were all overflowing with praise and appreciation. I'm expecting great things from this lady at boot-camp!
Annastasia, returning from her 2008 rejection at Cheryl's boot-camp, was another act with a slightly rocky start. Cheryl believed back then that Annastasia wasn't strong enough. In fairness to Annastasia she had only just had her baby daughter and it probably wasn't the right time for her to be taking on so much extra pressure. This year she started off with the Tina Turner track 'Rolling (on the river)'. Simon Cowell let it play for a while, but then raised his famous "I'm stopping this" right hand. He said to Annastasia, a little unkindly I thought, that he'd seen better 'trannie' acts performing that track. Although he did redeem himself by telling her that she was a better singer than she'd shown so far. Asked if she had another song choice she came up with 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele, at which all three judges perked up. This performance was received a far better reception and was loved by the audience, but in my opinion she still sounded like she was trying to be Tina Turner. Happily she got a full set of three yeses to send her through to boot-camp, despite Simon commenting that she was somewhat 'cabaret-singer' in her performances, and wanting to 'strip her back'.
Also returning from the 2008 auditions is 16 year old Liam Payne. He was to be let go by Simon Cowell at the judges' houses section of the eliminations that year because Simon believed Liam to be not yet ready. He suggested Liam go back to school and finish his GCSE's and come back in two years, adding that Liam would be a different person. Yet again Simon's instinct was right on the money. Liam pulled out a strong performance of 'Cry Me a River', with definite overtones of Michael Buble and Justin Bieber, after which both Simon Cowell and Natalie Imbruglia stood to applaud. Michael and Justin are two fine singers to emulate, certainly, but personally I hope he can sing with his own style as well. Cheryl Cole told Liam that he'd definitely got 'IT', whatever 'IT' is. Natalie said he was really, really impressive and that others in the competition should be worried about him. 'Lulu' Walsh said that Liam totally delivered, and was very confident at only 16 years of age. Simon said that his talent was incredible, and Liam flew through with a full house of four yeses.
Now for a dark horse. 16 year old Dwayne Edgar from the Dublin auditions. To be honest, I really wish this young man to do well because, whatever he ends up doing, he'll bring more energy to it than the National Grid! His ambition is to become like Robbie Williams because, as Dwayne said himself, 'I haven't got the best of voices, but hopefully I'll entertain this crowd here today.', and that he certainly did! Yes it's true that his voice does need a great deal of work and help, but if he applies himself to vocal training the way he applied himself to his performance, I feel sure that it will not be long before we have another teenage pop-star on our hands. If charisma, likability, stage presence, and large cajones were all it needed to win X Factor, this lad would have it all sewn up and the rest of the contestants may as well not bother trying. Even going so far as to go down the steps at the front of the stage to shake hands with the four judges whilst still performing, and not miss a beat or appear fazed at all! However, with a shaky three out of four votes he got through, and I truly hope the voice coaches can pull off a miracle for this likable young man.
Rebecca Creighton's Dublin Audition singing Pixie Lott's 'Cry Me Out' was far too short for my liking. A wonderful voice and good stage presence gained her four well deserved positive votes. I hope to see more of this lady at boot-camp and in the future. Watch this space!
Another Dublin Auditionee, 16 year old Niall Horan (what is it with all the youngsters this year?) managed to make it through, despite not giving a truly sparkling performance. Although putting himself forward as an 'Irish Justin Bieber', his vocal range and strength were really not quite up to the mark. He got votes from Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Katy Perry, but Cheryl didn't feel she could give Niall a positive vote, saying she felt he wasn't ready yet. To be honest I agree with Cheryl, but he still may have a chance if the voice coaches can help. That said, with the help that Dwayne will need, I'm not sure they will have enough time left over to help Niall. Sorry, that sounds nasty and I don't mean it that way.
Matt Cardle, a 27 year old painter and self-professed 'bum' from Essex is another one to watch for. He performed the Amy Winehouse song "I'm No Good", and very quickly had the crowd behind him. Although appearing a little awkward on stage before and after his performance, his rendition was flawless. I think his quirky and unassuming style is going to be a big hit too. This is certainly someone that could be star material, and his down-to-earth manner will hopefully continue to keep him grounded after three out of three votes put him, deservedly, into boot-camp.
Cher Lloyd from Malvern in Worcestershire is another 16 year old pocket-packet of dynamite. She arrived on stage about as nervous as she could be, but still managed to get through the usual judges questions without disgrace. Louis asked Cher what she was going to sing, and she replied she was doing 'Turn My Swag On' by Soldier Boy, but the Carrie Hilson version. BOOM! This little bundle of nerves exploded into a polished star performer, with all the attitude and style the track demanded... and more! Cher produced a powerful vocal with outstanding mic and vocal control, and a good (if not huge) vocal range. This girl is truly X Factor material, and I'm certain that she's destined for great things. Remember the name, Cher Lloyd, because you're going to be hearing it a lot more in the near future.
Now it's time for my Three Finalists Prediction based on those I've written about here. Just like on the X Factor itself, here they are, in no particular order.
* Matt Cardle
*Cher Lloyd
*Mary Byrne
Unlike the judges' predictions, mine are not sealed in an envelope until the results are in. Also mine may be accused of being a little premature as not all the auditions are over at the time of writing. (Sept 6th 2010)
